Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana – Two people from Texas were killed and two others were injured in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of LA 384 and West Tank Farm Road in Calcasieu Parish.

On September 7, 2023, just before 7:00 in the morning, a two-car collision was responded to by the Louisiana State Police Troop D at the crossroads of LA Hwy 384 (Big Lake Road), and West Tank Farm Road in Calcasieu Parish.

Tragically, the crash killed 19-year-old Jose Samaniego and 28-year-old Cesar Samaniego, both hailing from Port Arthur, Texas.

The preliminary probe showed that Albert Joseph Espree, a 47-year-old resident of Beaumont Texas, was driving a 2015 model Kenworth 18-wheeler east on W. Tank Farm Road while nearing the LA 384 intersection. Simultaneously, a 2021 Honda Civic was heading south on LA 384, also nearing the W. Tank Farm Road intersection with LA 384. According to reports from LSP, Espree did not stop at the stop sign, which resulted in his vehicle moving into the path of the Honda. The collision resulted in both vehicles veering off the road.

Jose Samaniego, who was sitting at the front and was properly restrained, incurred fatal injuries and was declared dead at the location. The backseat passenger, Cesar Samaniego, who was not restrained, was critically injured. He was transported to a hospital in Lake Charles where he later succumbed to his injuries. Both the Honda’s driver and the 18-wheeler’s driver were properly restrained and both experienced moderate injuries.

Samples for toxicology tests were collected from both drivers and will undergo examination. Currently, the investigation into this accident continues.

The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that approximately 8,000 individuals lose their lives each year in the US as a result of side-impact or T-bone collisions. These types of crashes tend to be more lethal than front or rear-end impacts. Louisiana State Police implore drivers to fully stop at stop signs, checking thoroughly before moving on. These few extra seconds could potentially be life-saving.

So far in 2023, Troop D has conducted inquiries into 22 deadly crashes which led to the loss of 25 lives.